Introduction to PIC micro-controller

Introduction to PIC (Click here)

PIC micro-controllers are popular processors developed by Microchip Technology with built-in RAM, memory, internal bus, and peripherals that can be used for many applications. PIC originally stood for “Programmable Intelligent Computer” but is now generally regarded as a “Peripheral Interface Controller”.

Types of PICs

PIC microcontrollers are broken up into two major categories: 8-bit microcontrollers and 16-bit microcontrollers. Each category is further subdivided into product families as shown in the following table:

8-bit MCU Product Family              16-bit MCU Product Family
             PIC10                                             PIC24F
             PIC12                                             PIC24H
             PIC14                                             dsPIC30
             PIC16                                             dsPIC33
             PIC18

The micro-controllers in the PIC10 through PIC14 families are considered low-end micro-controllers. PIC micro-controllers in the PIC16 and PIC18 families are considered mid-level micro-controllers while 16-bit PICs are considered high-end micro-controllers.

Each PIC has unique features and subtle differences. The correct choice for your project depends on many factors:
 Does the project require analog input or output?
 Does the project require digital input or output?
 How many I/O pins are required?
 Does the project require precise timing?
 How much memory does the project require?
 Is serial I/O required?
 Etc.

For more information on PIC click here

PICs also come in several types of packages: 
 Plastic Dual Inline Package (PDIP)
 Small-Outline Transistor (SOT)
 Dual Flat No-lead (DFN)
 Mini Small Outline Package (MSOP)
 Thin Quad Flat Pack (TQFP)
 Plastic Leaded Chip Carrier (PLCC)
 CERamic QUADpack (CERQUAD)

The reason for the number of packages is that there are some PICs with 100 I/O pins! The microcontrollers are basically rectangular or square shaped. The easiest package to work with is DIP or PDIP because it is easily breadboard-able and can easily be soldered.